The rapid and widespread response to the detention of US peace and global justice activist, Scott Parkin, has been heartening and effective on many levels. Actions have taken place in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and outside several Australian Consulates in the United States.Actions yesterday in Melbourne successfully shut down even more ANZ bank branches in protest of ANZ's Iraq war-profiteering. Rory Gutterson, Melbourne activist and friend of Scott Parkin said, ~this action demonstrates that activists will continue to target corporations involved in the occupation. The treatment that Scott has received is indicative of the kind of powers the government is trying to exercise against those who oppose the occupation under the guise of the "war on terror"
Other acts of political defiance have included dozens of activists 'handing themselves in' for immediate deportation at AFP headquaters and DIMA offices in solidarity with Scott.
Maureen, one of Scott's closest friends and colleagues in the US writes: "The concern and overwhelming support from Australia for Scott Parkin has been amazing. I have known Scott for years and am privileged to count him among one of my best friends, to have lived with him and to have organized many an action both big and small. Nothing comforts me more than knowing there is such a strong support system for him in Australia while he endures this violation."
The media response overall has been largely critical of the detention and deportation of a peace activist and has ensured that the Attorney General Phillip Ruddock has been forced to minimise, deny or justify the actions of ASIO and the Australian Federal Police. Editorials in the Australian and The Age newspapers today have also been largely critical of the threatened deportation. Radio talk back and online feedback sites have been busy and largely supportive of Scott's case. The issue has received extensive international coverage as well.
The combined effect of our protests so far has been to:
1) raise the political cost of ASIO's actions;
2) clearly expose the dangers inherent in the new AFP and ASIO control orders and preventative detention measures to the wider community; and increase public dissent to widening anti terrorism measures in general;
3) create a public focus on the role of Halibuton in the occupation of Iraq, nonviolence and peace activism in general;
4) maintain solidarity and support for Scott - he knows what we are doing;
5 ) demonstrate how networks of activists, NGO'S, progressive lawyers and politicians can (and will) operate quickly in defence of an imprisoned activist.
All this aims to undermine the government's position against Scott and hopefully, may deter the Australian security forces and government from doing something similar in the near future. (This is yet to be seen!).
LEGAL UPDATE: Keren Adams, from Maurice Blackburn Cashman, and Erskine Rodan, immigration lawyer, said they had been advised by DIMIA Tuesday afternoon that Scott would leave the country on Thursday (15th). Accordance with Scott's wishes, we have asked for Scott to be removed from the country under section 198 (1) of the Migration Act, she said. At the same time, we have relodged an appeal with the Migration Review Tribunal against the cancellation of his visa. This can continue once he has left the country, she said. Ms Adams said Scott would continue to challenge the reasons for the cancellation of his visa. It is understood Scott could be deported at any time.
WHERE TO NOW?: It remains important to continue the strong community protest at this hideous act of political suppression. As we are aware, Scott is an articulate white, peace activist and he is being targeted because of his nonviolent political activities. Any solidarity with Scott needs to also enhance the safety of more marginalised and threatened activists and communities who are even more targeted in today's Australia.
Scott's campaigning approach follows the People Power Strategy which is gaining much currency within the US anti-war movement. He works for Houston Global Awareness which is waging a highly effective strategic campaign against Halliburton's role as a key pillar in the US occupation of Iraq.
We actually believe that it is the growing political effectiveness of this grassroots nonviolent strategy and the fear Scott was 'exporting' it to Australia which has so concerned the US and Australian intelligence services and that has led to Scott's arrest.
The tactic of demonising and marginalising activists by smears and claiming violence is common. Australia's Attorney-General, Phillip Ruddock, has been claiming that Scott Parkin has been engaged in "inciting political violence" in his trainings. It is vital that we continue to strongly rebuke this.
As background: Scott Parkin is high profile peace and global justice activist. He has spoken at numerous large public forums and events whilst in Australia including the Brisbane Social Forum and the Sydney Social Forum in August. He was contacted by ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) last week and had been asked to 'come in for an interview' which Scott rightfully declined. Scott participated in a nonviolent street theatre action outside US corporation Halliburton's headquarters in Sydney during protests against the Forbes meeting on August 31st. He has written widely for numerous magazines and spoken publicly about corporate globalisation and Halliburton's role in Iraq over many years. See.
More background is available at.
ACTION YOU CAN TAKE:
It is important that we maintain strong protests and continue to rebut government attempts to demonise Scott and his politics by claims that Scott is involved in "inciting politically motivated violence". We need to continualy assert Scott's humanity and nonviolent political activism.
Some major points that can be made to media, radio talk back, online and to your local senator or member of parliment are:
Scott Parkin has not been charged with any offense nor has he committed any crimes whilst in Australia. Nor has he breached any conditions on his visa; He has not been paid for any trainings or presentations whilst here; Scott is committed to nonviolence and has a long history of such activism; besides that he is a nice guy! Scott has a basic right to organise and participate in protest; As do we all!
Neither "spirited protest" and "encouraging spirited protest" is illegal Claims that he incites political violence as utterly without foundation. This ultimately effects us all.
If you have not already, please contact you local member of Parliment and/or Federal Senator to express your concerns about this action as soon as possible. Any organisational, union and high-level protests is particulary important.
To make things more bearable for Scott while he is inside, please, please send him an e-mail of support to backingscott@yahoo.com We will print and hand deliver as many as we can to Scott or send them to him when he arrives back in the States.
MEDIA: For media questions or comment, contact Paul Sheridan 0410 516 656 (for Thursday 15th) Dan Cass on 0408 468 488 or Andrea Buffa in the United Sates at andrea@globalexchange.org
PROTEST and DIRECT ACTIONS: Some are still being planned and there may be actions if and when Scott is taken for deportation. Contact your local activists groups and monitor your state's indymedia site for updates, announcements and reports. Melbourne Sydney Oceania
By just-us 20 September 05
Related:
Peace Activist Agrees to be removed but challenges security review
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Anti-War Extremists Loyal to Scott
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US Peace Activist to be Deported
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Howard government threatens academic freedom
As Peter McGregor noted in GLW #639, I recently resigned in protest from a committee of the federal government's National Health and Medical Research Committee (NHMRC) and called for a boycott by academics of government committees generally.
'Different times' call for bill of rights, says QC'
To ensure no future government can erode basic human rights. Lex Lasry, QC, gave last night's key note address at the University of Western Australia's annual Day of Ideas.
Australia: a little dab will do ya .....
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Fishing expedition pays off
A man whose home was targeted by ASIO in fishing raids this year is facing fraud charges along with a co-accused who is linked to firearms offences.
The Terrorism of ASIO Laws
Wanda Fish asks Australian Senators to reject Howard's proposal to strengthen laws that already erode our basic legal rights. This legislation has the potential to turn ASIO agents into terrorists who can kidnap and detain innocent Australians simply because they "might know something".
Terrorgraph not quiet on 'Aussie militant' probe
AFP refuses to comment on investigation into militant video: hoWARd's abc.
Phillip Duddock's 'accent' heard in militant broadcast
Australian/Arab television has broadcast a video showing a masked militant with an apparent Australian accent criticising British Prime Minister tony bliar over Iraq.
HICKS: Not a Happy Birthday!
AUSTRALIA/CUBA/US :David Hicks, the Australian imprisoned at the US Base of Guantanamo Bay, will be 30 years old this coming Monday August 7, 2005.
GetUp! Stand Up! Stand Up For Your Rights!
Because of you, something exciting happened in our democracy last week. From every corner of the country, more than 20,000 emails were sent to the Coalition Senators. Our message was simple: now you have control of the Senate, we will be holding you to account. Thousands of you added personal messages to your representatives about the issues you care about.
Australia: We're Living In A War Zone
Prime Minister john hoWARd and his cronies have now placed us in a war-zone moving defence capabilities to Australia's south-east coast.
All the alleged terrorists are Muslims
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner mick keelty, a well know propagandist and liar, now claims that 60 Islamic extremists are operating in Australia and they are not news to the police and intelligence agencies.
All the wicked witches in Pakistan?
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It's just not cricket: Khan
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Lawyer dismisses ASIO fishing raids as PR stunt
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Howard off to US, UK - part 5
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Houses raided over 'possible' political attack plans?
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Is this our most dangerous Newspaper?
The Daily Terrorist should be managed with manacles and flown into Siberia via a jumbo jet tomorrow amid fears government fascists may attempt to use them again on someone else.
HOSTAGES OF THE WAR ON TERROR
This forum will bring together legal representatives and victims of counter-terror, along with justice campaigners and organisations in order to share strategies for achieving justice for these men and the many other like them.
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Murdoch's war on truth in war reporting
People who remain to be convinced that cross-media laws are important to maintaining the fabric of our democracy need look no further than today's page one of The Daily Telegraph.
Chomsky signs on for justice
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If he'd been given his passport he'd be a free man
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Trial by unrelated video clips
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Accused Australian Citizen 'denied passport in 2002'?
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Court should be told Gov't using 'Jack'!
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Noble Cause Torture?
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New account adds weight to interrogation claims
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Australian senate accused govt of war crimes
Did you hear the one about David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib having a Barbeque in Afghanistan with Bin Laden? Yeah it was reported on Channel Seven's Sunrise this morning! But they don't know if it was a sheep or a goat, but sources say it was most likely a goat.
DPP to appeal innocent man's bail
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Fascist Australian Govt torture exposed
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Innocent witch verballed by federal fascists!
Shame on the federal fascists. The wicked old witch is dead! A Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard that a 31-year-old innocent Victorian man was facing terrorism charges?
Lawyer blames police for Habib break-in
John HoWARd, Alexander Downer, Phillip Ruddock, Robert Hill, to name just a few....HOW DO YOU PLEAD?
No reason for Habib to sell story: Beazley?
Federal Agreement Leader Kim Beazley is a well-paid loser. A loser who supposed to be defending our democratic rights by standing up to the HoWARd Government's fascism.
Australia: a presumption of guilt......
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Aust Community criticises Govt for 'crimes'!
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Australian Govt Guilty of Crimes: Community
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What they did to Habib
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Australian Federal Government complicity in war crimes
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Innocent witch verballed by federal fascists!
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Innocent Victorian man held in custody for Xmas?!
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Rubish, just plain propaganda, fear-mongering, draconian nonsence from the HoWARd goverment's war agenda stink tank.
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Ul-Haque 'the man who wants to become a doctor'
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Daily Terror rolled-over for Howard's war games
The DAILY TERROR is suspected of being the source of the news this morning that Willie Brigitte is a terrorist and that Sydney faces a bomb attack.
Ruddock foreshadows new terrorism laws
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Community seeks more power to interrogate ASIO suspects
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Greens warn of 'politicised' terror trials
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Lawyer claims Al Qaeda suspect's evidence tainted!
Before returning to Australia last year, Thomas was arrested and held in custody for five months by Pakistani authorities before being released without charge.
Man terrorised by ASIO remanded in 'AA' isolation!
A Victorian man has been remanded in custody after being charged with terrorism offences, including having links to Al Qaeda?
Melbourne man charged over ASIO links
ASIO a know Australian terrorist organization is verballing the community again...about allegations that a man, while living overseas, received funds from Al Qaeda and had close association with the members of the terrorist group.
DING DONG! THE WITCH IS DEAD
A court has been told Joseph Thomas is a sleeper? ZZZ! Melbourne Australia: A court has been told that Osama bin Laden asked a Melbourne man to become a "sleeper" in Australia before undertaking activities for the Al Qaeda network? Munchkins: "Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch! Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead."
AFP: The unlikely CRIMINAL
It was born of a bombing and it made its name after a far more devastating act of terrorism. But for most of the 25 years in between, little was known about the Australian Federal Police force or the work it did.
Mamdouh Habib: Taunted and Tortured!
Four Corners [Walls]: Terrorist - or Taunted by the Australian Defence Force who sacked him as a cleaning contractor? Who is Mamdouh Habib? And why was he harassed by the Australian Federal Police? Then tagged and labelled as a spy? Why was he vilified by the community? When he fled to Pakistan how did he end up being tortured in Egypt? And how did he end up at Guantanamo prison camp reserved for the men America calls "the worst of the worst.
He was an undercover agent for the blues
He was my journalist, he was working undercover. The fellow knew all of the moves.... He really had me romping, bare footing stomping. He just kept igniting my fuse....
Up there Khasali: Innocent man new bail laws
The New South Wales Supreme Court has asked innocent man Bilal Khazal to increase to amount of surety offered, before the bail is formally continued.
HEY! BIG BROTHER? LET INNOCENT PEOPLE GO!
Young men terrorised, tortured, and threatened with charges for no crime by Australia mate the lucky country. Lucky if you're not used for Howard's FEDERAL ELECTION and George Dubya's WAR ON LIBERTY! Who shot liberty? IGNORANCE!
Keelty foresees more terrorism
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty says terrorist groups will continue to find new ways to threaten countries.
Islamic movement denies links to Al Qaeda
The Islamic Youth Movement has denied having any links to Al Qaeda and says it is considering legal action against the Four Corners program. In a statement released early this morning, the group rejects allegations it is helping coordinate any kind of terrorist network inside Australia and says it is being unfairly targeted.
2nd Renaissance -10 The War on Witches [150]
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a Papal Bull that became the rationale for establishing the Inquisition in Germany. The following excerpt from the Bull sets out the official view of the danger of witches to the community. The Bull and this this passage provided the sole excuse for the torture and cruel executions that were, ultimately, to be the fate of up to fifty percent of the population of some villages.
